Find the Right California Workers' Comp Form

Throughout the course of any Workers' Compensation case, an injured worker will receive a wide variety of forms, regarding everything from medical treatment to financial benefits. It is extremely important to read the forms carefully, and contact an attorney to confirm what action, if any, needs to be taken. Keep in mind that many of these forms include strict timelines that must be met.

Medical Mileage Expense Forms

Workers injured on the job are entitled to reimbursement for medical mileage, which includes for example transportation to and from the treating physician, physical therapy, and the pharmacy.

The rate at which mileage reimbursement is paid varies. Per the Labor Code, "it is dependent upon the mileage rate adopted by the Director of the Department of Personnel Administration pursuant to Section 19820 of the Government Code, whichever is higher, plus any bridge tolls. The mileage and tolls shall be paid to the employee at the time he or she is given notification of the time and place of the examination."

As you can see by the following chart, the reimbursement rate from July of 2006 to the present has constantly changed.

The rates in the above chart are the rates to be used for transportation during the period listed. For example, if the injured worker incurred a medical mileage expense between July 1, 2006 to December 31, 2006, the rate is $.445/mile.

You can click on the dates in the above chart and link to a Medical Mileage Expense Form for that specific period of time, which you can print off and use to request reimbursement.

Lastly, injured workers commonly ask, "How long do I have to wait for my reimbursement?" According to case law, the insurance company has 60 days from receipt of the request to pay or dispute the mileage reimbursement request.

Mileage Documentation Is Key

As is the case with everything involving an on-the-job injury, it is imperative for you, the injured worker, to keep detailed notes of your travel expenses related to the medical treatment for your workplace injury. Be sure to keep a copy of these records for your own file, and submit your mileage reimbursement requests on a timely basis (i.e., every 90 days) to facilitate prompt reimbursement. Medical mileage reimbursement is your right as an injured worker in California. It is up to you to take full advantage of this benefit in the state's workers' compensation system.

LEGAL DISCLAIMER: This web site is for informational purposes only. If you are seeking legal advice or representation, please contact us at 213 739-7000. Pursuant to Labor Code Section 5432(a), making a false or fraudulent workers' compensation claim is a felony subject to up to 5 years in prison or a fine of up to $50,000 or double the value of the fraud, whichever is greater, or by both imprisonment and fine. For more information, click here.